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THE LABYRINTH OF THE WORLD

(The Pilgrim returns to the Hall.)

5. Impudence smiled, and taking me by the hand, "Let us go there again," he said; but I would not. "Thou must, and canst yet behold these many things, if thou art but silent. Come, only act prudently, keeping somewhat aloof." And I allow myself to be persuaded, and enter again; and—why should I deny it?—I sat down among these men, allowed them to drink to me, and also pledged them, wishing at last to discover in what these delights consisted. I also began to sing and skip, and shout with the others; in every way what they did, I did. Yet did I all this somewhat timidly, for it appeared to me that this was by no means fitting for me. Then some who saw that I did not excel in this laughed at me, while others were angered that I did not pledge them. But meanwhile, something under my coat begins to prick me, something under my cap stings me, something presses up my throat, my legs begin to stagger, my tongue rattles, and my head whirls round. I now become incensed against myself and my guides, and declare that this was conduct befitting not men, but beasts; particularly after I had witnessed in others the voluptuousness of the voluptuaries.

(The Wretched Ways of Voluptuaries.)

6. Then I heard some complaining that they could neither relish food, nor drink, nor bring them